Skate Park Rolling Again

Damage Repaired At The Weston Site

May 3, 2006|By Nick Sortal Staff Writer

Weston — Closed since Hurricane Wilma, the city's skate park has reopened, and in-line skaters and skateboarders have returned.

The park, situated within Broward County Regional Park at Weston, had been locked after sustaining about $20,000 in damage, said Steve Jahoda, president of Hometown Concessions, the company that oversees the skate site.

Most affected was the "half-pipe," which consists of two ramps that face each other and form a "U" shape. Wilma moved the ramps -- the largest pieces in the park -- about 10 inches, Jahoda said.

"The little stuff didn't move an inch, which was amazing," he said.

The city had to order a piece of the half-pipe, Jahoda said.

The 72-by-144-foot skate park opened in 2002 after the city converted one of eight roller-hockey rinks at the regional park. Jahoda, who operates the concession stands in return for giving the city a cut, used to staff the skate park and charge visitors $5.

Last year, he dropped the entrance fee and his staffing but continued to operate the nearby concession stand and opens, closes and checks the equipment at the skate park.

Jahoda said the park has been busy since it reopened April 21, and has given eager skateboard and in-line enthusiasts a place to go. During the winter, he noted, places such as the Weston Town Center had problems with youths gathering and skating around.

"You'll still have some crazy kids jumping on top of benches and so on, but overall, I'd say this has alleviated 60 percent of the problem," he said.

Safety gear, such as helmets, wrist guards, and elbow and knee pads, are not available for rent, so visitors must bring their own. Jahoda emphasized the importance of using the gear, especially helmets.

"You can fix an elbow or a wrist or a knee, but you're not fixing brain damage," he said.

Signs are posted to remind participants, but the skate park is unsupervised.

"It's not from the police; it's not from me," he said. "It needs to come from the parents to tell their child to put a helmet on."

Nick Sortal can be reached at nsortal@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7906.